Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: As the AFC Champions League 2016 Group Stage comes closer, lets take a look at one of the competition's key players, Shandong Luneng FC's goalkeeper Wang Dalei.
KEY PLAYER: WANG DALEI – Shandong Luneng
AFC Champions League Record
Appearances: 19
Goals: 0
PROFILE
A headline-maker at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia when he asked for a ballboy’s advice before saving a penalty in the group stage, Wang Dalei has become one of the continent’s most celebrated custodians.
The former bad boy of Chinese football has matured and grown into his role as his nation’s first-choice goalkeeper and Shandong Luneng’s man between the sticks.
Wang enjoyed an outstanding 2014 season when he was named Chinese goalkeeper of the year and helped Shandong lift the FA Cup for the fifth time, and he remained as first choice for the club as they reached third place in the Chinese Super League.
At 27-years-old Wang has already experienced five AFC Champions League campaign and is sure to be a stand-out in many more to come.
IMPORTANCE TO TEAM
An expert shot-stopper, Wang is capable of breath-taking feats of athleticism with first-rate reactions and recovery – often able to swiftly rise to his feet after one block to make another.
Wang also boasts exceptional command of his penalty area, reads the game well, and often comes out on top in one-on-one situations.
ONES TO WATCH
Argentine playmaker Walter Montillo is more often than not the creative hub for Shandong supplying the ammunition for China striker Yang Xu who netted six times in the AFC Champions League last year. Brazilian centre-back Gil was signed in the close season from Corinthians to help shore-up the Shandong backline.
Photo: Lagardère Sports